Slimming World Friendly Chicken & Chorizo Penne

Anything with a chicken and chorizo combo is a winner in my eyes, and this tasty pasta dish is a family favourite. 

It's quick and easy to prepare and what's more, for those on Slimming World like myself, it's only 3 syns for the meal which is due to the chorizo. 

I served this with a big mozzarella salad (Healthy Extra A choice) on Sunday so lots of salad goodness for speed, and it went down well with the whole family. 

I've made this before for the family before joining Slimming World and used cream, which is also lovely but using a tomato base makes this super low on syns for a really delicious and moreish meal.

The below serves 4 with enough leftover for 1-2 lunchbox portions for the next day.

Slimming World Friendly Chicken & Chorizo Penne

Slimming World Friendly Chicken and Chorizo Penne

Here's how:

• 130g cooking chorizo
• 3 chicken thighs
• 1 red onion
• 1 garlic clove
• 6-7 large, ripe tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• Salt & black pepper
• 500g pack penne
• Handful fresh parsley 

Place a large, non-stick pan on a medium heat and fill and boil the kettle.

Slice the chorizo into thin coin-shaped pieces and add to the pan; no need for any oil. 

While that cooks, finely dice the onion and mince the garlic and add to the pan. 

Roughly chop the tomatoes and set aside in a bowl for now. 

Roughly chop the parsley and also set aside for the end.

Now chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and then season well with salt and black pepper. Add to the pan to cook. 

At this point place the penne on to cook with the water boiled from the kettle and a pinch of salt. Cook according to pack instructions - approximately 10 minutes for dried. 

Once the chicken is seared all over, add the tomatoes and turn up the heat a little. Add the tomato puree, the oregano and again add a touch of salt and pepper. Now allow to cook down a little.

Once the pasta is cooked, remove from the heat and spoon in a spoonful of the pasta cooking water. 

If the chicken is cooked through (it should only take minutes if it has been cut into bite sized pieces but check by cutting into one of the biggest pieces and ensuring it isn't pink inside) then now add the pasta; I use a slotted spoon to pop the penne in as a little more pasta water will help to loosen the sauce, which will just coat everything and won't be swimming in a thick sauce. Once all of the pasta is in the pan, use a wooden spoon or spatula to move everything around and ensure it gets a good coating of the flavours and sauce.

Now spoon into a big serving bowl or onto individual plates if you prefer and add the chopped parsley. Enjoy!